Bible Question (short): NT tithing completely unbiblical? |
Question (full): Greetings all :) A few words (or paragraphs, lolol) about tithing. Although we find the concept of financial giving in the New Testament, I have not found any evidence that New Covenant believers are directed to tithe (according to a ten percent rule), during and/or after the formation of the early church. Give 5 percent or 15 percent to your local church congregation as you are able, but I have found no tithe (ten percent) stipulation issued toward New Testament believers, in regards to the church that they attend. I believe that the Old Testament doctrine of tithing (which the New Testament sometimes refers to) was strictly a ten percent taxation required of the Jews, in order to financially support their local government at the time. Much the same way that we pay our taxes to the IRS people today. The last three churches that I have attended have taught that the bible directs believers to tithe ten percent of their income to the local church, but yet they lacked any biblical basis, outside of utilizing the Old Testament Law of Moses (and a few New Testament references to the Old Testament law), which had specifically referred to Jewish societal taxation. Although, I believe that the doctrine of tithing a stipulated ten percent of one's income, to your local church organization, is completely unbiblical, I would be curious if anyone can substantiate that tithing is a valid New Testament practice. Perhaps your local church assembly performs this practice? I do not here present a scripture endorsing tithing in the New Testament church, because I don't believe that it exists (other than in the form of Old Testament societal taxation). Verse references, please? - PS. I'm particularly asking for specific verse references here, rather than asking what someone's local congregational practice is on the subject. I greatly appreciate that this is a very dear subject for many, but I just don't find it in the New testament, as it is typically taught in the organized religion today. - Blessings to all :) Reighnskye |